On February 15, the phone rang for a 63-year-old resident of Lubin. A man posing as her son claimed that he had been involved in an accident and needed money to repair the car of the victims. Another man, pretending to be a police officer, attempted to extort as much as PLN 35,000 from a 66-year-old woman. Thanks to the seniors’ vigilance, the fraud was prevented and the women did not lose their savings.
Lubińscy policjanci:
In view of the above situations, we appeal to older people to exercise common sense and caution when handing over any money to strangers. To avoid becoming another victim of ruthless fraud, let us remember the basic safety rules.
If we do not know the visitor, it is worth asking about the purpose of the visit and requesting an identity document or ID card. We should also not provide personal information, bank account numbers or passwords over the phone.
We should also try to avoid keeping large amounts of cash at home.
Let us also avoid suspiciously favorable offers, especially when they involve signing documents, paying an advance, disclosing information or showing our savings. Under no circumstances should money be handed over to strangers.
In the event of any suspicion, immediately notify the police by calling 997, as the officers’ prompt intervention may allow the criminals to be quickly detained.
And they add:
Information obtained from the victim will be very helpful in the officers’ work. Therefore, it is important to remember as many details describing the perpetrator as possible.
Lubińscy policjanci also appeal to children and young people to pass our advice on to their elderly parents, grandmothers and grandfathers, who often remain home alone and are therefore exposed to fraudsters and thieves.